＜Inside N. Korea＞ Tension Mounts as Regime Regulates Markets, Confiscates Stocks, and Slanders Price Gouging Shopkeepers

To prevent the spread of novel coronavirus to North Korea, the Kim Jong-un regime has completely sealed the border with China since late January. In the aftermath, markets across various parts of the country have seen prices soar due to a shortage of Chinese goods. Now, with authorities responding with forced price cuts, tension is building rapidly. (Kang Ji-won)

On February 7, ASIAPRESS spoke with a businesswoman in Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, the site of much trade with China’s Jilin Province.

“The number of traders has dropped by half. Industrially produced goods such as shoes, clothes, utensils, etc are not coming in from China, so there are no products to sell and prices are skyrocketing. The market is quiet because few customers come to buy anything other than groceries,” the woman said.

For markets in cities further away from the border, the situation is said to be even more severe.

Merchants are in a very difficult position as the authorities, concerned about the soaring prices, have forced them to cut prices. The authorities have especially intervened in the rice market.

Next page :According to another reporting partner...